On a cold early December day six (six!) years ago, I drove up to Castleblayney to see a breeder's litter of new tri and blenheim pups. They were just over three weeks old and though there was the cutest, outgoing little tri, I wanted a blenheim, and the puppy that I knew I wanted had a very large head and was burrowed into the puppy pile. Here he is, on that visit:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v67/karlin/DSC00732.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v67/karlin/DSC00730.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v67/karlin/DSC00735.jpg

I collected Jaspar on new year's eve and couldn't believe I had my little guy -- I used to spend hours looking at pictures of cavaliers and reading about the breed in anticipation of getting my own. Now he was home and on my lap!

He was special of course from the day I chose him, but it would take the passing of time for me to realise how very very special he is. Many experienced dog loving people feel that while you can have a bevy of wonderful dogs, only rarely, you experience the amazing pleasure of owning that once in a lifetime dog that seems to know what you think, where you communicate almost telepathically.

That is Jaspar, for me.

When I thought about what I wanted in a dog -- well, Jaspar has fulfilled every one of those hopes. I love all the dogs, but Jaspar and I are a team in a way the others aren't. I have never had to work to train him -- half of what he knows he figured out by himself from context. He is always just perfect, for me -- yes, he is my ADD (attention deficit dog) and he can be hard work (he is just too darn smart and active and such dogs are a challenge and need things to do!) but I adore him and never am as happy as when we are on a long long walk in each other's company, or driving somewhere together, or sitting by the fire as I read.

He and all the others had a nice meal of beef this morning and I took him for a special walk to the Phoenix Park, just the two of us.

I can't believe he is 6 -- he always seems like my puppy -- and he more than any of them makes me wish dogs lived til 20 or 30, as their lives are too brief!

He's the dog in my avatar and a very special boy.

:hppybdy:

sins

6th November 2009, 08:20 PM

How time flies!
:hppybdy: to Jasper

Sins

pippa

6th November 2009, 08:22 PM

:hppybdy: Jasper and wishing you many many more :)

kimy27

6th November 2009, 08:26 PM

Happy Birthday Jasper!

That was really lovely what you wrote Karlin :)

Sabby

6th November 2009, 08:28 PM

:hppybdy: Jasper

I hope you both had a lovely day.

I know what you mean when you say once in a life time dog. I never thought it existed until I got my Harley.

jasperpaw

6th November 2009, 08:29 PM

:hppybdy: Jaspar, what a lovely tribute to him, you obviously love him very much.:)

Hope you've had a very special day - and enjoyed your walk with Karlin, lovely to have that special attention :jmp2:

Karlin, some of them are just that extra bit special aren't they - I know Jaspar is one of them, and we have been lucky to have had a couple of very very special dogs.

Enjoy him!!

Margaret C

6th November 2009, 09:45 PM

He was special of course from the day I chose him, but it would take the passing of time for me to realise how very very special he is. Many experienced dog loving people feel that while you can have a bevy of wonderful dogs, only rarely, you experience the amazing pleasure of owning that once in a lifetime dog that seems to know what you think, where you communicate almost telepathically.

That is Jaspar, for me.

Exactly what we all feel about the dog that becomes our soulmate.

:hppybdy: To Jaspar, Karlin's Special Dog :hppybdy:

Karlin

6th November 2009, 11:26 PM

Jaspar says thanks! He is relaxing in front of the heat from the fire this evening... I just took this:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3518/4080984143_349c2eb5b3.jpg

I guess all the other dogs are letting him have the whole bed to himself this evening!

Louise1823

6th November 2009, 11:34 PM

:hppybdy: Happy Birthday to a very special Jaspar!! :hppybdy:
:mexwav::mexwav:

frecklesmom

6th November 2009, 11:58 PM

:hppybdy: to a special Jasper-what a lucky boy to get a private walk which you as a Prince absolutely deserve :hug:.

brid kenny

7th November 2009, 01:29 AM

Happy birthday Jaspar!! You are a great little man and very clever and deserve a bed to yourself!!!

Shelli

7th November 2009, 03:50 PM

:hppybdy: Happy 6th Birthday Jaspar :hppybdy:

Wishing you many, many more.

Rumor

7th November 2009, 05:01 PM

:hppybdy: Jasper :hppybdy:

Time sure goes fast. You explained how I feel about Remus to a T.
Hope Jasper enjoyed his special day. :luv:

Bet

7th November 2009, 05:09 PM

Jasper ,

This is a lovely Photo of you, Happy Birthday.

jacies

7th November 2009, 06:48 PM

:hppybdy:Happy Birthday Jasper. What a lucky boy to have such a lovely home. Just what every dog should have, a warm fire, comfy bed and is that a bone between your paws?

Clairelou

7th November 2009, 07:22 PM

Belated Birthday Wishes Jaspar :hppybdy: Handsome :p

heather r

7th November 2009, 08:41 PM

A belated :hppybdy: to Jasper who is a very handsome fellow and was an adorable pup! Best wishes to his proud owner:)

Heather R

Sandrac

7th November 2009, 09:47 PM

:hppybdy: belated birthday Jasper

mounie

8th November 2009, 05:22 PM

Best birthdays wishes , Jaspar, you are so lovely!!

:hppybdy:

lorebringer

9th November 2009, 08:40 AM

Happy belated birthday Jasper!

Karlin, your words so true :)

Claire L

10th November 2009, 11:54 AM

:lotsaluv: :oops:sorry I missed the special day.

:jmp2: :hppybdy: :jmp2:

:lotsaluv: Happy 6th Birthday JASPAR :lotsaluv:

Karlin

10th November 2009, 03:10 PM

He says thanks and he's sure that all the good wishes entitle him to further nice treats... :cool:

jessie22

10th November 2009, 04:37 PM

:hppybdy: Jasper!!! --I really enjoyed reading your story Karlin, I know just how you feel. Here's to many more years for you and Jasper!